“Japan Ready to Assist Sri Lanka to Restore Peace” Says Japanese PM

Japan looks forward to seeing a peaceful Sri Lanka in the near future and would always assist the Sri Lankan government to continue its development process in the country said Japanese Prime Minister Yasao Fukuda. He made the comments at a joint press conference with President Mahinda Rajapakse held at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.

“I conveyed to the President, Japan’s intention to cooperate for peace in Sri Lanka as well as economic development,” Fukuda told the media.

He expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s efforts to achieve peace and assured the Japanese Government’s fullest support and cooperation to President Rajapaksa’s peace efforts.

He also said President Rajapaksa’s visit to Japan has strengthen the age-old friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka and his country is committed for the consolidation of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Japanese PM thanked the people and the government of Sri Lankan for their cooperation towards the Japanese business community who have invested in a number of large development projects in Sri Lanka.

In his address at the joint news conference, President Rajapaksa said Japan has always been a close friend of Sri Lanka and thanked the Japanese Government and people for their support and cooperation in the peace process and development programs in Sri Lanka.

The President also said that Sri Lanka hopes to advance technologically and appreciated the support and expertise extended by Japan. In addition Sri Lanka hopes to cooperate with Japan on matters of mutual interest in the spheres of commerce and economic and social relations.

President Rajapakse reiterated his government’s long term commitment to safeguard human rights and the democracy in the country.

Japan Special Peace envoy Yashusi Akashi and Foreign Minister Rothitha Bogollagama were also present during the discussion.

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